Welcome to the ultimate guide to finding the best monitor in 2023! With so many options on the market, choosing the right display for your needs can be overwhelming. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to find your perfect monitor, from panel types and resolutions to refresh rates and connectivity.
We’ve researched the top monitors across various budgets and use cases so you can easily compare the best options. Whether you need an affordable 1080p monitor for work or gaming, a high-refresh 1440p display, or a massive 4K screen for creative projects and entertainment, we have you covered. Read on for our detailed monitor recommendations, comparisons, buying advice, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!
How to Choose the Right Monitor
With the wide variety of monitors available, it’s important to determine your needs and priorities before choosing. Here are some key factors to consider:
Screen Size: The most common monitor sizes range from 24-27 inches for 1080p displays, 27-32 inches for 1440p, and 32+ inches for 4K. Larger screens immerse you more but require more desk space.
Resolution: 1920 x 1080 (1080p) is standard for basic work and gaming. 2560 x 1440 (1440p) offers sharper image quality. 3840 x 2160 (4K) is best for visual design work and entertainment.
Refresh Rate: Most monitors are 60Hz, sufficient for work. A 120-144Hz refresh rate creates smoother visuals for gaming and video. 240Hz is ideal for competitive esports.
Response Time: Low response times like 1ms reduce motion blur. under 5ms is great for gaming.
Panel Type: IPS panels have the best color reproduction and viewing angles. TN panels offer faster response times for gaming. VA panels provide deep blacks for media viewing.
Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync match the monitor’s refresh rate with your GPU for screen tearing reduction.
Connectivity: Look for HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB ports. Some monitors have USB-C for video, data, and power delivery.
Price: Monitor pricing ranges widely from $100 to $2,000+. Determine your budget and look for deals.
Once you know what you need in a display, it’s time to explore our top recommendations!
The 8 Best Monitors of 2023
After extensive research and testing, we’ve selected the 8 best monitors across various budgets and categories. Here are the top displays for gaming, professional work, entertainment, and more:
Overall Best Monitor: Dell S2721QS
- 27-inch 4K IPS panel
- Gorgeous ultra HD 3840 x 2160 resolution
- Excellent color accuracy with over 1 billion colors
- AMD FreeSync support
- Extremely thin bezels on three sides
- Tilt, swivel, and height adjustments
- Great value for the price
The Dell S2721QS offers a stunning 4K picture quality on a sharp IPS panel for one of the best combinations of resolution, color performance, and price. With AMD FreeSync, thin bezels, and ergonomic flexibility, it’s a well-rounded display ideal for gaming, work, and media.
Pros:
- Crisp 4K visuals
- Vibrant and accurate colors
- AMD FreeSync up to 60Hz
- Fully adjustable stand
- Great value for a 4K monitor
Cons:
- 60Hz refresh rate less ideal for competitive gaming
- 4K requires more GPU power
Best 4K Gaming Monitor: LG 27GN950
- 27-inch 4K Nano IPS display
- Buttery smooth 144Hz refresh rate
- 1ms response time with minimal motion blur
- Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync support
- Wide color gamut with 98% DCI-P3 coverage
- HDR 600 for vivid contrast and brightness
With a fast 144Hz refresh rate and ultra low 1ms response time, the LG 27GN950 is the best 4K gaming monitor. It balances pinpoint visuals with incredibly fluid motion clarity. The Nano IPS panel also produces a gorgeous wide color gamut.
Pros:
- Stunning 4K gaming visuals
- Lightning fast 144Hz refresh rate
- Near instantaneous 1ms response time
- G-Sync and FreeSync support
- 98% DCI-P3 wide color gamut
- Great HDR 600 contrast and brightness
Cons:
- Expensive
- No HDMI 2.1
Best Ultrawide Monitor: LG 34GP83A-B
- 34-inch curved ultrawide 21:9 display
- QHD 3440 x 1440 resolution
- Rapid 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
- Nvidia G-Sync Compatible adaptive sync
- IPS panel with 98% DCI-P3 color gamut
- Customizable ambient RGB lighting
The LG 34GP83A-B is the ultimate monitor for immersive gaming. Its massive curved screen surrounds you in your favorite games, while the QHD resolution and lightning fast 144Hz refresh rate create jaw-dropping visuals.
Pros:
- Immersive 34-inch ultrawide form factor
- Sharp 3440 x 1440 QHD resolution
- Blazing 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
- G-Sync Compatible adaptive sync
- Vibrant IPS color reproduction
Cons:
- Expensive
- Ultrawide aspect ratio not ideal for some
Best 240Hz Gaming Monitor: Alienware 25 AW2521H
- 24.5-inch 1080p Fast IPS gaming display
- Lightning fast 240Hz refresh rate
- Rapid 1ms GtG response time
- Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro
- Rich color gamut close to 100% sRGB
- Fully adjustable stand with RGB lighting
For esports and competitive gaming, you can’t beat the Alienware 25 AW2521H. With its insanely fast 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time, gameplay looks and feels extremely fluid for gaining split second advantages.
Pros:
- 240Hz refresh rate for super smooth visuals
- Near instant 1ms response time
- G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro support
- Great color reproduction for an IPS gaming panel
- Slick RGB lighting effects
Cons:
- 1080p resolution less sharp for work
- Expensive for a 1080p monitor
Best 1440p Gaming Monitor: ASUS TUF Gaming VG27AQ
- 27-inch 1440p IPS gaming display
- Fast 165Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
- Nvidia G-Sync compatible adaptive sync
- Excellent color accuracy with 130% sRGB gamut
- Superior viewing angles compared to TN panels
- Fully adjustable stand with swivel, tilt, pivot
With its sharp 1440p resolution, blistering 165Hz refresh rate, and rich colors, the ASUS TUF VG27AQ strikes the ideal balance for high-res gaming and eye candy visuals. It’s a superb option for those wanting an upgrade over 1080p without the price of 4K.
Pros:
- Sharp 1440p resolution
- Very fast 165Hz refresh rate
- G-Sync compatible adaptive sync
- Colors more vivid than traditional TN panels
- Fully adjustable stand
Cons:
- Contrast ratio could be better
- No USB ports
Best Budget Gaming Monitor: Acer Nitro XF243Y
- 23.8-inch 1080p IPS gaming display
- Smooth 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
- AMD FreeSync Premium adaptive sync
- 99% sRGB color gamut for rich visuals
- Fully adjustable ergonomic stand
- Extremely affordable for gaming features
The Acer Nitro XF243Y offers an incredible mix of gaming performance and features at a budget-friendly price. With its 144Hz refresh rate, 1ms response time, and FreeSync support, it has everything needed for immersive gameplay without breaking the bank.
Pros:
- 144Hz refresh rate under $200
- Rapid 1ms response time
- Vibrant 99% sRGB color reproduction
- Height, tilt, swivel, and pivot adjustments
- Incredible value for gaming
Cons:
- 1080p resolution less sharp for work
- Mediocre contrast ratio
Best Curved Monitor: Samsung Odyssey G5 C32G55T
- 32-inch 1440p curved VA panel
- Smooth 144Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time
- AMD FreeSync Premium adaptive sync
- 3000:1 contrast ratio for deep blacks
- Minimalistic design with matte black finish
- Extremely versatile for mixed usage
In terms of curved monitors, the Samsung Odyssey G5 ticks all the boxes with its 32-inch screen size, 1440p resolution, high 144Hz refresh rate, rich VA panel contrast, and modern minimalist design. It’s equally suited for work and play.
Pros:
- Large 32-inch curved display
- Sharp 2560 x 1440 QHD resolution
- 144Hz refresh rate and quick 1ms response
- VA panel with 3000:1 contrast ratio
- FreeSync Premium adaptive sync
- Great for mixed productivity and gaming
Cons:
- Weak viewing angles compared to IPS
- Stand is tilt-only with no height adjust
Best Portable Monitor: ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC
- 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) IPS display
- Ultra slim and lightweight design at just 1.7 pounds
- USB-C connectivity for video, data, and power
- Eye care technology with flicker free backlighting
- Smart case included for protection
- Perfect on-the-go monitor for laptops
For the ultimate portable monitoring experience, the ASUS ZenScreen MB16AC delivers a crisp Full HD display in an ultraslim profile that weighs just 1.7 pounds. The USB-C connectivity allows easy plug-and-play use with laptops making it the ideal on-the-go monitor.
Pros:
- 1080p resolution in lightweight 15.6-inch screen
- Slim and portable design at just 1.7 pounds
- Single USB-C cable for video and power
- Integrated protection with smart case
- Flicker free backlight for eye comfort
Cons:
- Smaller screen less ideal for prolonged use
- Refresh rate limited to 60Hz
Monitor Buying Advice
Follow this advice for choosing the best monitor for your specific needs and setup:
Pick Resolution Wisely: Higher resolutions like 1440p and 4K look sharper, but require more GPU power. Make sure your PC can run games/apps smoothly at higher resolutions before upgrading.
Match Refresh Rate to Use: For office work and web browsing, 60Hz is fine. For basic gaming, aim for 144Hz. For esports gaming, go for 240Hz+.
Look for Adaptive Sync: AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync match your monitor’s refresh rate to your GPU’s output to reduce screen tearing without input lag.
Check Response Times for Gaming: Look for response times under 5ms for smooth gaming, and 1ms for fast-paced competitive games.
Consider Contrast Ratio for Blacks: VA panels offer 3000:1+ contrast for deep blacks. IPS and TN are 1000:1 and lower.
Think About Your Desk Space: Larger monitors like 34-inch ultrawides require more desk real estate. Make sure you have room!
Compare Stand Adjustability: Tilt, swivel, pivot, and height adjustment provide ergonomic flexibility.
Mind the Connectivity: Look for at least HDMI and DisplayPort. USB-C and USB hub ports offer additional functionality.
Know Your Panel Types: IPS has the best viewing angles and color accuracy. VA panels boast deep contrast. TN panels are the fastest for high refresh racing.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can narrow down the ideal monitor for your budget and needs!
Monitor FAQs
Still have questions about finding the perfect monitor? Check out answers to some frequently asked questions:
Q: Is a higher refresh rate more important or higher resolution for gaming?
A: For most gamers, a higher refresh rate (144Hz+) should be the priority for super fluid gameplay. Resolution plays less of a factor in gaming performance compared to refresh rate.
Q: Is G-Sync or FreeSync a must-have for gaming monitors?
A: Adaptive sync technology like G-Sync and FreeSync significantly improves gaming performance by matching your monitor’s refresh rate to your GPU’s frame rate. This eliminates screen tearing and input lag. Though not essential, G-Sync and FreeSync make a big difference in smoothness and are highly recommended for gaming.
Q: Do monitor response times matter if I don’t play competitive games?
A: Response times make less of a difference if you mainly play slower paced or single player games. But the lower the response time, the smoother and more fluid any game will feel. Under 5ms is great for casual gaming.
Q: Is HDMI or DisplayPort better for monitors?
A: DisplayPort is newer and supports higher resolutions and refresh rates. HDMI is limited to 60Hz at 4K. DisplayPort 1.4 can handle 4K at 120Hz+ and 8K at 60Hz. Go with DisplayPort if possible for optimal performance. HDMI is fine for basic 1080p 60Hz monitors.
Q: Do more expensive monitors provide a noticeably better picture?
A: Up to a point, yes. More expensive monitors often have higher resolution panels, faster refresh rates, better color accuracy, and additional features that can improve image quality and gaming performance. But you’ll hit diminishing returns around the $500+ mark where differences are less noticeable unless you look closely.
Q: How do I know if my GPU can handle higher resolution or refresh rate monitors?
A: Check the specs. For example, an Nvidia RTX 3070 or AMD RX 6800 can readily handle 1440p gaming over 60Hz. For 4K gaming, an RTX 3080/3090 or RX 6900 XT is recommended. Always make sure your GPU exceeds the requirements before upgrading your monitor’s resolution/refresh rate.
The Ultimate Monitor for You
Hopefully, this guide has helped demystify today’s vast monitor market and point you toward the best display for your needs and budget. Sharpen your focus on the key features that matter most for the workloads and games you care about. Then enjoy the crisp, smooth, and immersive visual experiences a great monitor offers! Let us know if you have any other monitor questions. We’re happy to help guide you to your ideal display.
Top Monitors in 2023
Hi I’m Erica Kelly, welcome to my blog! I live in in sunny Florida, I’m a dedicated Miami Dolphins fan and a lover of all things culinary, I explore the world through my travels and share these experiences on this blog. When I’m not on the road or savoring new cuisines, I’m contributing to the healthcare industry with dedication and compassion. My life is a unique tapestry of professional commitment, sports enthusiasm, and an endless pursuit of new adventures.